Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region, the country’s defense minister said Tuesday.

Without the involvement of North Korea, Russia’s war in Ukraine might have taken a different turn. The infusion of weaponry and troops provided by Kim Jong Un’s regime has helped Russia to repel Ukrainian forces from its soil and keep up the relentless bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities.